U Street Construction Project Begins

Months of construction starting today in U Street Corridor

As Adams Morgan's massive construction project draws a close, U Street's is kicking off.

Work begins Monday to overhaul the streetscape along U between 9th and 14th streets.

"We're starting at 9th Street," said Monica Hernandez, of the D.C. Department of Transportation. "We're going to move westbound toward 14th Street. We'll start on the north side first, complete that section, and then jump over to the south side."

Sidewalks will be rebuilt and widened with new landscaping. Roadways will be repaved, and traffic signals and storm drains will be upgraded.

The road will be reconstructed one block at a time, transportation officials said. At least one lane of traffic will be kept open in each direction during construction, but curbside parking will be restricted.

"We're going to keep the corridor open," Hernandez said. Businesses and sidewalks will stay open.

Up in Adams Morgan, owners of shops along 18th Street said the streetscape project has disrupted business.

"We're prepared," said Leon King of Why Not Boutique. "And I think most of the folks understand that changes make great things in the end."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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